Daily Devotions
Exodus
"And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions." Genesis 15:14
Text: Exodus 3 : 21-22
THE PROMISE OF GREAT PROVISION
The children of Israel had come to dwell in the land of Egypt as prosperous people. Jacob had brought all his wealth with him (Cf. Genesis 46:6). Under the protection of Joseph, the children of Israel had settled well in the district of Goshen. However, because of the cruel policies of the Pharaoh, the children of Israel were reduced to the status of mere slaves. How would they survive in the land of Canaan if they were to go empty-handed? God’s plan covered every single aspect, including the physical.
“And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians;
and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty handed.
But every woman shall ask of her neighbour, namely, of her
who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold,
and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on
your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”
EXODUS 3:21-22
“And I will give this people favour…”
The Egyptians had despised the children of Israel for they were mere slaves. However, that would change! The Lord Himself would bring about the necessary changes. He would cause them to be viewed favourably by the time He was through with Pharaoh.
“You shall not go empty handed…”
The children of Israel had worked very hard for the Egyptians. They would be “paid” for all the hard work they had put in to build the cities of Egypt.
“Articles of silver… gold… and clothing…”
The children of Israel would be fully compensated. They would be paid in kind. They could ask for anything they wanted from their Egyptian neighbours. They would have all that they asked for.
“So you shall plunder the Egyptians”
The ancient dictum would be applied. To the victor belong the spoils of war. In the battle that God would wage against Pharaoh, the result would be, as it were, the plundering of Egypt. (The word “plunder” is to be interpreted in the above context. The children of Israel would not actually resort to looting! The Egyptians would be more than glad to see the children of Israel depart from their land – what was left of it)!
A WELL-CONCEIVED PLAN
Moses must admit that God had come up with a well-thought out plan! The Lord had looked into every detail, from confronting the Pharaoh, to the day of their departure! What was needed now was an act of faith on his part!